Talk To An Expert 24/7
800-487-3808
800-487-3808
Choosing the Best Ankle Brace
We understand how difficult it can be to find the best ankle brace, with different options available. However we are here to help, by explaining all the important factors including material, type, sizing, support, and recommendations for the most common needs. Take a look at our five specialized designs, made to address a range of common conditions like tendonitis, sprained ankles, achilles tendon pain, and more.
The Types Ankle Braces We Offer
What to Consider When Choosing Your Ankle Brace
Learn more about all the most important factors for the perfect ankle brace.
Material
The materials that we use for our ankle brace are chosen based on functionality, durability, and quality. You’ll find a combination of these used throughout.
-
Nylon
Nylon's durability and flexibility make it an excellent choice for braces worn during physical activity, providing reliable support without restricting movement. Its breathable, moisture-wicking properties help keep the skin dry and comfortable, even during extended wear, enhancing both performance and comfort.
-
Neoprene
Neoprene offers outstanding support, flexibility, and compression, ensuring a snug, stabilizing fit while allowing a comfortable range of motion. Its insulating properties help retain body heat, promote circulation, and aid in injury recovery. Additionally, neoprene is highly durable, water-resistant, and retains its shape over time, making it a reliable choice for both athletic performance and rehabilitation.
-
Spandex
Incorporating spandex into our ankle braces enhances elasticity, ensuring a flexible, comfortable fit that adapts seamlessly to the ankle’s natural movements.
Type
-
Wraparound
Our wraparound ankle braces feature adjustable straps that provide the perfect balance of compression and stability. Designed for mild to moderate injuries, they offer reliable support while helping to prevent reinjury, making them ideal for both recovery and active use.
Our Ankle Brace and Standard Ankle Brace are designed to easily slide on and off with Velcro straps that are adjustable to accommodate individual needs, such as swelling, and can fit inside most footwear.
-
Compression
A compression support helps to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and provide mild to moderate support. The gentle pressure enhances blood flow which can help to speed up recovery and reduce discomfort.
For lightweight compression support during activities, try our Ankle Wraps. Designed for comfort and flexibility, they provide adjustable stabilization without restricting movement, making them ideal for active wear and injury prevention.
If you’re looking for recovery-based compression check out any of our ankle ice wraps. Each is designed with hot or cold capabilities, to fit the contours of the ankle, and with adjustable straps that allow you to secure the wrap to your foot for full coverage.
For maximum compression, we recommend the Compression Ice Wrap, featuring an integrated pump that allows you to adjust the compression level to suit your individual needs.
-
Semi-Rigid
Our Laced Ankle Brace provides superior support with a hand-tied lacing system that secures the ankle, reinforced by dual stability straps for added protection. Designed for athletes and those with more serious ankle conditions, it offers a high level of support without compromising comfort. The semi-rigid structure ensures stability while allowing a natural range of motion, and the open-heel design makes it easy to wear with your favorite shoes.
-
Rigid
For the most serious injuries, a rigid ankle brace may be the best option. These come in stirrup or boot designs and feature a hard, protective shell that restricts movement to aid the recovery process. Rigid braces are most frequently recommended by a doctor to treat serious ankle injuries.
Sizing/Fit
Our adjustable Ankle Brace and Stirrup Brace feature a one-size-fits-most design, and can be adjusted for a snug fit. The Standard Ankle Brace has two sizing options and our Laced Ankle Brace is available in small, medium, or large.
Each brace has a corresponding sizing chart that makes taking your measurements and picking the appropriate size easy. A good rule is that with any of our ankle braces, you should be able to comfortably fit 2 fingers between the brace and your skin. This will help avoid slipping while not cutting off circulation.
Level of Support
Our braces range in support from mild to maximum. Learn more about the benefits of each below.
-
Mild
For minor injuries or those further along in the recovery process, mild support braces are the best choice. They are typically flexible braces that prioritize compression while offering a small amount of support. The Ankle Wraps are a good option here.
-
Medium
Mid-range braces are good to have on hand because they can treat a variety of conditions while staying semi-rigid, adjustable, and easy to use. Whether you are facing arthritis, tendonitis, or injury prevention during light athletic activity, a medium support brace is a good choice. Our Ankle Brace and Standard Ankle Brace offer medium support.
-
Maximum
Our maximum-support ankle braces can range from rigid to semi-rigid, and feature added elements like support stays or tight laces to keep the joint firmly in place. They are a good choice for more serious injuries like rolled ankles, though they may be too stiff for some runners and athletes. Of the ankle braces we offer, our Lace-Up Ankle Brace and Ankle Stirrup Brace offer the highest level of support.
Although not designed for high activity, our Compression Ankle Ice Wrap offers adjustable support utilizing a hand pump + valve system ranging from mild to maximum. The customizable compression helps to promote blood flow and pain relief based on your personal needs.
Our Recommendations for...
Suffering from a specific condition, or have specific athletic needs? Find the ideal option here.
Achilles Tendon Pain
Our Standard Ankle Brace offers comfortable support to the ankle and heel, while being adjustable and flexible with a one-size-fits-most design. It’s lightweight compression helps promote natural healing by increasing blood flow to the injury to prevent further harm. You can wear it on a regular basis, as it’s neoprene body is washable and easy to keep stain and odor-free. To deal with the swelling and inflammation of achilles tendonitis and related conditions, try our Open-Toe Compression Socks.
VIEW THIS BRACE
Running
Runners know that support doesn’t need to come at the cost of mobility. To stay moving, try our Ankle Wraps which offers the stability and compression you need while also staying lightweight and flexible. Their slim design is the best option to keep from slowing down your stride, and when it’s time to wash-up after your workout, you’ll want a brace that can be thrown directly in the washer for an easy clean. The Standard Ankle Brace is another way to get lightweight compression, with a bit of added support.
VIEW THIS BRACE
Sports
Whether you’re looking for a brace for tennis, basketball, or any of your favorite sports, the number one concern is maximizing stability. That’s why our Ankle Brace is the perfect option, using dual-strap compression to keep your joint in place. Even if you’re not currently working through an injury, this brace offers plenty of protection. If added compression is your main concern, try our Ankle Wraps to improve blood flow and boost your game.
VIEW THIS BRACE
Prevent Rolling
Ankle rolls are common and can strike at any time, especially if you suffer from chronic ankle instability. Luckily, our Lace Up Ankle Brace offers firm support all day long, with multiple levels of support. Durable Velcro straps will keep the joint in place from multiple angles while the fully adjustable design can compensate for swelling and ensure a snug fit.
VIEW THIS BRACE
Pain Relief
For pain relief after an ankle injury we recommend our Compression Ankle Ice Wrap which offers the option of either hot or cold therapy, along with compression relief that encourages blood flow. It straps on easily, providing full coverage and can be worn while moving around. Another great option is the Standard Ankle Ice Wrap which functions the same, but without the additional compression feature.
VIEW THIS BRACE
Sprained Ankles
Sprained ankles, breaks, and fractures are some of the most common causes of impeded mobility for our customers, which is why we developed our Standard Ankle Brace to reduce pain and offer stability. Pairing stable cross braces with adjustable neoprene straps, a lightweight ankle brace boasts a versatile design that maximizes support. Enjoy a secure, non-slip fit that will stay in place all day long. You can also try our Ankle Ice Pack for pain management while recovering. Wear it around the house, hands-free!
VIEW THIS BRACEFrequently Asked Questions
See what others are asking, and get up-to-date info on ankle braces.Q: Can ankle braces weaken athletic ankles?
A: Some athletes are concerned that ankle braces can limit range of motion and ultimately weaken the joint, due to disuse. This can be true of certain maximum support designs, which is why we recommend more flexible and lightweight braces to athletes. By maintaining a full range of motion, the ankle can stay protected without losing strength.
Q: How tight should an ankle brace be?
A: When sizing your ankle brace, make sure it’s tight enough to provide support without cutting off circulation. For the perfect fit, adjust your Velcro straps to the appropriate tightness, then place two fingers between the strap and your leg. You know the brace is too tight if they don’t fit, and too loose if you can fit a third finger.
When in doubt, get a professional opinion. Take your brace to your next doctor’s visit and ensure it fits properly.
Q: When is the best time to wear an ankle brace after an injury?
A: Ankle braces should be worn post-recovery for anywhere from 1 to 10 weeks. Continue to use your support brace as long as you experience symptoms like swelling, pain, and instability. If symptoms last longer than 10 weeks, talk to your doctor immediately.
Q: How are ankle braces more effective than taping?
A: While ankle braces and taping offer similar levels of support, braces have the extra advantage of being adjustable and easy to slip on and off. Plus ankle braces don’t require users to shave their legs, and don’t irritate skin over the long-term.
Need More Help?
Get more information on all Vive Health products by talking to our customer service and product specialists. Call between 8:30am and 9pm EST daily at 1-800-487-3808 or email us at service@vivehealth.com.
SHOP ALL ANKLE BRACES
Leave a comment